High-tone Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
High Tone Pelvic Floor Dysfunction refers to a condition where the muscles in the pelvic floor become excessively tight or tense, leading to difficulties in their normal function. These muscles, which support the pelvic organs and play a crucial role in bladder and bowel control, can become rigid and inflexible, impacting daily activities.
This heightened tension can create imbalances in the distribution of stress on the bones they’re attached to and may cause discomfort due to the muscles being stretched beyond their optimal range. This condition, often characterized by a constant state of muscle tension, can result in a range of issues, regardless of whether the pelvic floor muscles are weak or strong.
Symptoms of high tone pelvic floor dysfunction
- Sexual Discomfort: Individuals may experience pain as sexual arousal increases, during vaginal penetration, erection or at orgasm.
- Pelvic Pain: Chronic pelvic discomfort may radiate to the groin, abdomen, and back, accompanied by an ache in the pelvis due to muscle stress on the lower spine and tailbone.
- Urinary Symptoms: High-tone dysfunction can lead to a strong or frequent urge to urinate, painful urination, increased urinary frequency, urinary incontinence, and burning sensations during urination.
- Bowel Issues: Constipation and pain during bowel movements are common symptoms.
- Pelvic Floor Challenges: Some individuals may find it difficult to tolerate wearing tampons or undergoing pelvic exams due to pelvic floor dysfunction.
High-tone dysfunction can arise regardless of whether the pelvic floor muscles are weak or strong.
Individuals who might be at high risk to develop high tone pelvic floor dysfunction
Additionally, various factors may contribute to the development of high-tone dysfunction, including:
- Chronic Stress: Prolonged stress can lead to increased tension and tightness in the pelvic floor muscles, contributing to dysfunction.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of regular physical activity can weaken pelvic floor muscles or lead to imbalances in muscle tone.
- Poor Posture: Incorrect posture, especially while sitting for extended periods, can put undue pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, leading to tension and dysfunction.
- Repetitive Strain: Activities or occupations that involve repetitive movements or heavy lifting can strain the pelvic floor muscles, leading to increased tone and dysfunction over time.
- History of Trauma or Injury: Previous trauma or injury to the pelvic region, such as childbirth trauma, pelvic surgery, or accidents, can disrupt normal muscle function and lead to pelvic floor dysfunction.
- Chronic Constipation: Straining during bowel movements due to chronic constipation can lead to increased tension in the pelvic floor muscles.
- Chronic Coughing: Conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or persistent coughing due to smoking can cause increased pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, leading to dysfunction.
- Behavioral Factors: Habitually holding in your urine or stool
- Pelvic Inflammatory Conditions: Infections or inflammatory conditions affecting the pelvic organs, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or interstitial cystitis, can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction.
- Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as those occurring during menopause or hormonal imbalances, can affect muscle tone and function in the pelvic floor.
- Psychological Factors: Mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or past trauma can manifest as increased muscle tension in the pelvic floor, contributing to dysfunction.
- Genetic Predisposition: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to pelvic floor dysfunction, making them more susceptible to developing high tone pelvic floor issues.
- Neurological Disorders: Certain neurological conditions, such as spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or nerve damage, can disrupt the normal functioning of pelvic floor muscles, leading to increased tone and dysfunction.
Treatments for high tone pelvic floor dysfunction
Treatment options for high-tone pelvic floor dysfunction vary, and your doctor may recommend several approaches
- Pelvic FLoor Physical Therpay: This involves working with a specialized physical therapist to restore normal tone to the pelvic floor. Through targeted exercises focusing on muscles in the lower back, pelvis, and pelvic floor, you can improve your condition and alleviate symptoms.
- Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce overall muscle tension, including in the pelvic floor muscles.
- Dietary and Lifestyle Modifications: Certain dietary changes, such as reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, and managing stress through techniques like yoga or counseling, can help alleviate symptoms.
- Electrical Stimulation: In some cases, electrical stimulation may be used to help relax overactive pelvic floor muscles.
- Surgical Intervention: In rare cases where conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgical procedures such as botox injections or pelvic floor release surgery may be considered.
When to see a doctor?
If you suspect you have high tone pelvic floor dysfunction, it’s vital to consult a healthcare professional promptly, especially if you experience persistent symptoms like pelvic pain, urinary urgency, constipation, or pain during intercourse, which significantly impact your quality of life. Early intervention can lead to proper management, potentially alleviating symptoms and improving overall well-being through tailored treatments such as pelvic floor physical therapy, lifestyle adjustments, or medications.
Resources and support
Speak to your doctor if you are worried about delayed ejaculation.
Rena Malik MD, a board-certified urologist specializing in sexual health and pelvic surgery, offers compassionate and expert care to address a variety of urological concerns. Take the first step towards a solution by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Malik today.
